The increasing rate of urbanization and human activities in Nigerian cities is rapidly creating undesired effects of land use change. This paper examined the determinants of urban land use dynamics in Nigeria, and how they vary between inorganic and organic cities. The study was based on questionnaire survey and secondary data that spanned a period of 31 years (1980 to 2011). Enugu and Benin City were studied to represent inorganic and organic cities respectively. The study showed that between the two cities, there was significant difference in factors of land use dynamics. Eight factors were identified as determinants of urban dynamics in inorganic city and 7 factors in organic cities. Infrastructure, housing development, physical features and security were common factors in both cities. This scenario could be attributed to the fact that Enugu developed, based on organized town planning; thus the land use structure reflects well defined land use pattern while Benin City evolved from a rural settlement without deliberate formal planning; thus it is characterized by haphazard land use development. The study recommended regular analysis of land use data to enable urban planners and policy makers to develop workable land use planning policies and standards for various Nigerian cities.

Keywords: Land use, organic cities, inorganic cities, planning, urban, dynamics.